Electric vehicle with steering column extending through battery pack

ABSTRACT

An electric vehicle and a powertrain for an electric vehicle are disclosed. According to an embodiment, an electric vehicle includes a steering system with a steering column, and a battery pack having a battery enclosure and a plurality of battery modules housed within the battery enclosure. The battery enclosure defines a slot that extends from at least a top surface of the battery enclosure to receive the steering column.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/135,497, filed Jan. 8, 2021, from U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/135,499, filed Jan. 8, 2021, from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/135,506, filed Jan. 8, 2021, andfrom Canadian Patent Application No. 3,113,789, filed Mar. 30, 2021, allof which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to electric vehicles and, inparticular embodiments, to powertrain components of electric vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Electric vehicles comprise different powertrain components thantraditional combustion engine vehicles. For example, instead of having afuel tank and a combustion engine, an electric vehicle comprises abattery pack and an electric motor. Due to the sizes and weights of theelectric vehicle powertrain components, consideration is needed whenlocating and positioning them in relation to each other, as well asother components of the electric vehicle. The strength and rigidity ofthe electric vehicle should also be considered when locating andpositioning the powertrain components.

By way of example, for an electric snowmobile, further consideration isneeded when locating a battery pack and electric motor in relation to achassis and suspension system.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery pack thatis configured and implemented as a structural element in an electricvehicle. For example, the battery enclosure of the battery pack mayserve at least two functions in the electric vehicle. The first functionis protecting and/or encapsulating other battery components, such as oneor more battery cells, one or more battery modules and/or one or morebattery controllers, for example. The second function is providingstrength and rigidity to the electric vehicle by receiving loads fromthe suspension system, seat and/or steering system, for example. In thisway, the battery pack may reduce the number, size and/or weight of otherstructural components in the electric vehicle, and increase the overallstructural efficiency of the electric vehicle.

According to one example, an electric vehicle is provided that comprisesa suspension system, a seat, a steering system, an electric motor and abattery pack. The battery pack may comprise one or more battery modulesto provide power to the electric motor and a battery enclosure may housethe one or more battery modules. The battery enclosure is a structuralelement of the electric vehicle to receive loads from at least two ofthe suspension system, the seat and the steering system of the electricvehicle.

In some examples, the battery enclosure transfers the loads received, atleast partially, to a center of mass of the electric vehicle.Alternatively or additionally, the battery enclosure transfers thereceived loads, at least partially, to a chassis of the electricvehicle. According to another example, the battery enclosure defines afront portion and a rear portion. The front portion may receive loadsfrom at least one of the suspension system (e.g., a front suspension ofthe electric vehicle) and the steering system. The rear portion mayreceive loads from at least the seat.

In some examples, the electric vehicle comprises a chassis defining afront brace structure, the battery enclosure connected to the frontbrace structure to receive loads from the front brace structure.Optionally, multiple different surfaces of the battery enclosure (e.g.,front, top, side and/or bottom surfaces) are connected to the frontbrace structure. The suspension assembly may include a shock absorberthat is connected to the front brace structure.

In some examples, the battery enclosure is connected to the steeringsystem to receive loads from the steering system.

In some examples, the electric vehicle is a snowmobile.

According to one example, a battery enclosure for an electric vehicle isprovided. The battery enclosure being a structural element of theelectric vehicle and comprising a rear portion for connection to a rearportion of a chassis of the electric vehicle, the rear portion of thebattery enclosure configured to receive loads from a seat of theelectric vehicle; and a front portion for connection to a front portionof the chassis of the electric vehicle, the front portion of the batteryenclosure configured to receive loads from a front suspension of theelectric vehicle.

In some examples, the battery enclosure is configured to transfer loadsreceived from the seat and/or the front suspension, at least partially,to a center of mass of the electric vehicle. In some examples, thebattery enclosure is configured to transfer loads received from the seatand/or the front suspension, at least partially, to a chassis of theelectric vehicle. In some examples, the front portion is to receiveloads from a steering system of the electric vehicle and, optionally, totransfer those loads, at least partially, to a center of mass of theelectric vehicle.

In some examples, the battery enclosure comprises a carbon fibercomposite material. Alternatively or additionally, the battery enclosurecomprises a glass fiber reinforced plastic material. The batteryenclosure may have a stiffness that is within a range that is equal toor greater than 10 gigapascal (Gpa) and equal to or less than 70 Gpa. Insome examples, the battery enclosure houses at least two electricbattery modules and, optionally, provides a water-tight housing for theat least two electric battery modules.

In some examples, the electric vehicle is a snowmobile. In someexamples, the rear portion of the battery enclosure is adapted forconnection to a tunnel of the snowmobile, and the front portion of thebattery enclosure is adapted for connection to a front brace structureof the snowmobile.

According to a further example, the battery enclosure transfers theloads received, at least partially, to a center of mass of the electricvehicle. In another example, the battery enclosure transfers the loadsreceived, at least partially, to a chassis of the electric vehicle.According to another example, the battery enclosure defines a frontportion and a rear portion, the front portion receiving loads from afront suspension of the electric vehicle. According to another example,the battery enclosure defines a front portion and a rear portion, thefront portion receiving loads from the steering system and the rearportion receiving loads from the seat.

According to one example, a snowmobile is provided comprising a chassisthat comprises a rear tunnel and a front brace structure adapted toreceive loads from a front suspension system of the snowmobile. Thesnowmobile further comprises a battery enclosure defining a tunnelportion and a front portion, the tunnel portion being connected to therear tunnel of the chassis and the front portion being connected to thefront brace structure of the chassis. The battery enclosure receivesloads from the front suspension system of the snowmobile through thefront brace structure and transfers the loads from the front suspensionsystem to at least one of the rear tunnel and a center of mass of theelectric vehicle through a body of the battery enclosure.

In some examples, the battery enclosure is further connected to thefront brace structure at a bottom surface. In some examples, a steeringmount is connected to the front portion of the battery enclosure forconnection to a steering column, the steering mount transferring loadsfrom the steering column into the body of the battery enclosure. In someexamples, a seat is connected to the tunnel portion of the batteryenclosure, wherein loads from the seat are received by and transferredinto the body of the battery enclosure. In some examples the frontportion of the battery enclosure defines a first height and the tunnelportion of the battery enclosure defines a second height, the firstheight being greater than the second height. In some examples, the frontportion of the battery enclosure defines a first width and the tunnelportion of the battery enclosure defines a second width, the first widthbeing greater than the second width. In some examples, the frontsuspension system comprises at least one coil over spring and damperassembly. In some examples, at least one coil over spring and damperassembly is connected between a pair of skis and the front bracestructure. In some examples, the battery enclosure comprises a carbonfiber composite material. In some examples, the battery enclosurecomprises an injection molded glass fiber reinforced plastic material.In some examples, the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure isconnected to the rear tunnel of the chassis via two or more right sideblocks and two or more left side blocks. In some examples, the batteryenclosure has a stiffness that is within a range that is equal to orgreater than 10 Gpa and equal to or less than 70 Gpa. In some examples,the battery enclosure comprises a cover and a floor. In some examplesthe battery enclosure houses at least two electric battery modules forsupplying electricity to the electric motor. In some examples, thebattery modules comprise one or more pouch battery cells.

According to one example, a battery enclosure for an electric snowmobileis provided. The battery enclosure comprises a tunnel portion adaptedfor connection to a rear tunnel of a snowmobile chassis, a front portionadapted for connection to a front brace structure of the snowmobilechassis. The battery enclosure is configured to receive loads from afront suspension system of the snowmobile through the front bracestructure and transfers the loads from the front suspension system to atleast one of the rear tunnel and a center of mass of the electricvehicle through a body of the battery enclosure.

In one example, the battery enclosure is configured for connection to asteering column via a steering mount for receiving loads from thesteering column into the body of the battery enclosure. In someexamples, the battery enclosure is configured for connection to a seatof the electric vehicle for receiving loads from the seat into the bodyof the battery enclosure. In some examples, the front portion of thebattery enclosure defines a first height and the tunnel portion of thebattery enclosure defines a second height, the first height beinggreater than the second height. In some examples, the front portion ofthe battery enclosure defines a first width and the tunnel portion ofthe battery enclosure defines a second width, the first width beinggreater than the second width. In some examples, the battery enclosurecomprises a carbon fiber composite material. In some examples, thebattery enclosure comprises an injection molded glass fiber reinforcedplastic material. In some examples, the battery enclosure has astiffness that is within a range that is equal to or greater than 10gigapascal (Gpa) and equal to or less than 70 Gpa. In some examples, thebattery enclosure comprises a cover and a floor.

According to one example, an electric vehicle is provided that comprisesa straddle-seat, a chassis, a suspension system and a battery packconfigured as a structural element that receives loads from thesuspension system. In one example, the battery pack comprising a batteryenclosure coupled to the suspension system to transfer, at leastpartially, loads from the suspension system through a body of thebattery enclosure to the chassis. In one example, a brace structuretransfers loads between the suspension system and the battery enclosure.In one example, the straddle-seat is mounted directly to the batterypack. In one example, the electric vehicle is a snowmobile.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a battery pack thatdefines a slot to accommodate and receive a steering column of theelectric vehicle. In this way, the steering column can extend throughthe battery pack. Optionally, the slot may be provided in a batteryenclosure of the battery pack. The steering column may connecthandlebars of the electric vehicle to one or more steering arms, whichallows the electric vehicle to be steered and controlled.Advantageously, the slot may allow the steering column to besubstantially straight, rather than be bent to avoid the battery pack. Astraight steering column may be stronger, easier to manufacturer, andprovide a better ride quality than a bent steering column.

One example provides an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includesa battery pack having a battery enclosure, the battery enclosure definesa slot that extends downwards from a top surface of the batteryenclosure for receiving a steering column of the electric vehicle.

In one example, the slot extends downwards from the top surface of thebattery enclosure to a front side surface of the battery enclosure. Inanother example, the slot extends downwards from the top surface of thebattery enclosure to a bottom surface of the battery enclosure. In oneexample, the width of the slot varies along a length, a top end of theslot being wider than a bottom end of the slot.

In one example, the slot divides the front portion of the batteryenclosure into a first side and a second side, wherein each of the firstside and second side is suitable for housing one or more electricbattery modules. In one example, the slot is positioned substantiallycentrally with respect to a first side wall and a second side wall ofthe battery enclosure.

In one example, the battery enclosure is a structural component suitablefor receiving loads from the steering column and transferring the loadsto a chassis. In one example, a straight steering column passes throughthe slot.

Another example provides a snowmobile. The snowmobile includes a chassisthat comprises a rear tunnel, a front brace structure, and a batteryenclosure defining a tunnel portion and a front portion, the tunnelportion being connected to the rear tunnel of the chassis and the frontportion being connected to the front brace structure, wherein the frontportion of the battery enclosure defines a slot that extends downwardsfrom a top surface of the battery enclosure for receiving a steeringcolumn of the snowmobile.

In one example, the slot extends downwards from the top surface of thebattery enclosure to a front side surface of the battery enclosure. Inone example, the slot extends downwards from the top surface of thebattery enclosure to a bottom surface of the battery enclosure. In oneexample, the slot defines a first side wall, a second side wall and abottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the slot extends at anangle of between 30-60 degrees with respect to a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis of the snowmobile. In one example, a widthof the slot is between 30 millimeters (mm) and 60 mm. In one example,the width of the slot varies along a length, a top end of the slot beingwider than a bottom end of the slot.

In one example, the slot divides the front portion of the batteryenclosure into a first side and a second side, wherein each of the firstside and second side is suitable for housing one or more electricbattery modules. In one example, the slot is positioned substantiallycentrally with respect to a first side wall and a second side wall ofthe battery enclosure. In one example, the battery enclosure is astructural component suitable for receiving loads from the steeringcolumn and transferring the loads to the chassis. In one example, astraight steering column passes through the slot.

In one example, a top of the steering column is above the top surface ofthe battery enclosure and a bottom of the steering column is below abottom surface of the battery enclosure and is attached to a steeringmechanism that controls a direction of a right front ski and a leftfront ski for the snowmobile. In one example, an upper steering mount isattached to the top surface of the battery enclosure and is configuredto support an upper portion of the steering column and provide astiffness to the upper portion of the steering column.

In one example, the battery enclosure has a stiffness that is within arange that is equal to or greater than 10 gigapascal (Gpa) and equal toor less than 70 Gpa, and wherein the stiffness of the battery enclosurecorresponds with the stiffness that the upper steering mount provides tothe upper portion of the steering column.

In one example, the upper steering mount comprises a right uppersteering mount and a left upper steering mount attached to a pipe havingan axis aligned with an axis of the steering column, and wherein thesteering column passes through the pipe and is supported by the pipe. Inone example, the steering column passes through the slot at an anglewith respect to an axis of the steering column and a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis of the snowmobile that is equal to orgreater than 30 degrees and equal to or less than 60 degrees. In oneexample, the slot is centered between a right side wall and a left sidewall of the front portion of the battery enclosure, and wherein a rightside stack of one or more batteries are between a first side wall of theslot and a first side wall of the front portion of the batteryenclosure, and wherein a left side stack of one or more batteries arebetween a second side wall of the slot and a second side wall of thefront portion of the battery enclosure.

In one example, the front portion of the battery enclosure has a widthin a direction transverse to a substantially horizontal longitudinalaxis of the snowmobile in a direction between the front end and the backend of the snowmobile that is greater than a width of the tunnel portionof the battery enclosure, and wherein the tunnel portion of the batteryenclosure includes a row of one or more batteries aligned along thesubstantially horizontal longitudinal axis of the snowmobile between thefront end and the rear end of the snowmobile.

Another example provides a battery enclosure for an electric vehicle.The batter enclosure includes a rear portion, and a front portion, thefront portion of the battery enclosure defining a slot that extendsdownwards from a top surface of the battery enclosure for receiving asteering column of the electric vehicle.

In one example, the slot extends downwards from the top surface of thebattery enclosure to a front side surface of the battery enclosure. Inone example, the slot extends downwards from the top surface of thebattery enclosure to a bottom surface of the battery enclosure. In oneexample, the slot defines a first side wall, a second side wall and abottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the slot extends at anangle of between 30-60 degrees with respect to a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle. In one example, awidth of the slot is between 30 millimeters (mm) and 60 mm. In oneexample, the slot divides the front portion of the battery enclosureinto a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side andsecond side is suitable for housing electric battery modules. In oneexample, the slot is positioned substantially centrally with respect toa first side wall and a second side wall of the battery enclosure. Inone example, the battery enclosure has a stiffness that is within arange that is equal to or greater than 10 gigapascal (Gpa) and equal toor less than 70 Gpa.

In one example, the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure includes arow of one or more batteries in a direction between the front portion ofthe battery enclosure and the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure.In one example, the battery enclosure comprises a carbon fiber compositematerial. In one example, the battery enclosure comprises an injectionmolded glass fiber reinforced plastic material.

In one example, the electric vehicle is a snowmobile.

According to one example, an electric vehicle is provided that comprisesa steering system comprising a steering column and a battery packcomprising a battery enclosure and a plurality of battery modules housedwithin the battery enclosure, the battery enclosure defining a slot thatextends from at least a top surface of the battery enclosure to receivethe steering column.

In some examples, the slot is substantially straight and/or a portion ofthe steering column received by the slot is substantially straight.

In some examples, the slot extends from the top surface of the batteryenclosure to a front side surface of the battery enclosure.Alternatively or additionally, the slot extends from the top surface ofthe battery enclosure to a bottom surface of the battery enclosure.

In some examples, the steering system comprises a handlebar attachmentcoupled to an upper portion of the steering column. The steering systemmay also or instead comprise at least one steering arm coupled to alower portion of the steering column. The electric vehicle may compriseat least one ski assembly coupled to the at least one steering arm.

In some examples, the slot divides a portion of the battery enclosureinto a first side and a second side, wherein each of the first side andthe second side houses one or more of the plurality of electric batterymodules. The slot may be positioned substantially centrally with respectto a first side wall and a second side wall of the battery enclosure.The slot may define a bottom surface, the bottom surface extending at anangle of between 30-60 degrees with respect to a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle. A width of theslot may be between 30 millimeters (mm) and 60 mm.

In some examples, the steering system comprises a mount coupled to thetop surface of the battery enclosure to support an upper portion of thesteering column. The battery enclosure may be a structural componentsuitable for receiving loads from the steering column and transferringthe loads to a chassis of the electric vehicle.

In some examples, the electric vehicle is a straddle-seat vehiclecomprising a straddle-seat, such as a snowmobile. The straddle-seat maybe coupled to the battery pack.

According one example, an electric snowmobile is provided that comprisesa chassis comprising a rear tunnel and a front brace structure; asteering system comprising a steering column; and a battery enclosuredefining a tunnel portion and a front portion, the tunnel portion beingconnected to the rear tunnel of the chassis and the front portion beingconnected to the front brace structure, wherein the front portion of thebattery enclosure defines a slot that extends downwards from a topsurface of the battery enclosure for receiving the steering column. Theelectric snowmobile may also comprise at least one ski assemblyconnected to the steering system.

According to one example, a battery pack for an electric vehicle isprovided that comprises a plurality of battery modules and a batteryenclosure housing the plurality of battery module and defining a slot toreceive a steering column of the electric vehicle that extends from atop surface of the battery enclosure. The battery enclosure may define arear portion, a front portion first side and a front portion secondside, the front portion first side and the front portion second sidebeing separated by the slot. Each of the rear portion, the front portionfirst side and the front portion second side may house at least onestack of battery modules.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electric motorthat is positioned and mounted on a chassis of an electric vehicle toprovide a space efficient configuration and better manage loads. Forexample, the electric motor may be positioned within a mid-bay of anelectric snowmobile, between a rear tunnel and a front end of theelectric snowmobile and below a battery pack. The electric motor mayalso or instead be adjacent to a front wall of the rear tunnel. Thisposition may place the electric motor in proximity to, and substantiallyhorizontal to, a transmission of the electric snowmobile for spaceefficiency. Further, a simply supported transmission plate may be usedto mount and stabilize the electric motor. The transmission plate may beconnected at one end to the rear tunnel and at another end to a frontbrace structure. These connection points of the transmission plate maybe generally aligned with at least some loads exerted by the electricmotor and/or the transmission on the transmission plate. In this way,the transmission plate may be configured to better manage the loadswithout bending and may be lighter than other transmission plates notutilizing such a configuration.

One example provides an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includesa chassis defining a rear portion and a front portion, a transmissionmounted to a rear portion of the chassis, and a battery enclosuremounted on top of the rear portion of the chassis. An electric motormounted below the battery enclosure and between a front side of the rearchassis and a front end of the electric vehicle.

In one example, the electric motor is oriented generally horizontallyrelative to the transmission. In one example, the electric vehicleincludes a transmission drive shaft and a motor drive shaft spaced apartalong a longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle.

In one example, the rear portion of the chassis is a rear tunnel and thefront portion of the chassis is a front brace structure, wherein atransmission plate attached to the electric motor is connected at afirst end to the rear tunnel and at a second end to the front bracestructure. In one example, the electric vehicle is a snowmobile.

Another example provides a snowmobile. The snowmobile includes a chassisthat comprises a rear tunnel, a battery enclosure mounted to the reartunnel, and an electric motor mounted below the battery enclosure andadjacent to a front side of the rear tunnel.

In one example, the chassis further defines a mid-bay and a front bracestructure, the mid-bay being located between the rear tunnel and thefront brace structure, wherein the electric motor is positioned withinthe mid-bay. In one example, the mid-bay comprises a transmission platepositioned substantially parallel to a first side edge of the reartunnel. In one example, transmission plate is attached at a first end tothe first side edge of the rear tunnel and at a second end to acomponent of the front brace structure. In one example, the transmissionplate is further attached to a front plate of the electric motor.

In one example, the snowmobile further comprises a transmission, whereinthe electric motor is mounted proximate to the transmission by thetransmission plate. In one example, the transmission plate includes aU-shaped opening that extends downwards from a top side of thetransmission plate, and wherein the electric motor is attached to bothsides of the U-shaped opening such that a drive shaft of the electricmotor extends through the U-shaped opening. In one example, a componentof the front brace structure is mounted to an underside of the batteryenclosure and to the transmission plate.

In one example, the electric motor includes an electric motor drive gearand the transmission includes a transmission gear, and wherein a drivebelt is connected between the electric motor drive gear and thetransmission gear such that an angle of a top portion of the drive beltbetween the electric motor drive gear and the transmission gear withrespect to a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of thesnowmobile is equal to or less than 20% and equal to or greater than−20%. In one example, the snowmobile further includes a drive belt idlerpulley that contacts a bottom surface of the bottom portion of the drivebelt, and wherein the top portion of the drive belt is connecteddirectly between the electric motor drive gear and the transmissiongear.

Another example provides an electric snowmobile. The electric snowmobileincludes a transmission mounted within an interior of a rear tunnel ofthe snowmobile and proximate to a rear suspension of a track of thesnowmobile, and a battery enclosure mounted to the rear tunnel. Theelectric motor is mounted below the battery enclosure and between afront side of the rear tunnel and a front end of the snowmobile.

In one example, a transmission is provided, wherein the electric motoris mounted directly to the transmission by a transmission plate, andwherein the transmission plate is mounted to the rear tunnel of thesnowmobile. In one example, the transmission plate includes a U-shapedopening that extends downwards from a top side of the transmissionplate, and wherein the electric motor is attached to the transmissionplate at an interior of the transmission plate such that a drive shaftof the electric motor extends through from the interior to an exteriorof the U-shaped opening of the transmission plate.

In one example, the electric motor includes an electric motor drive gearand the transmission includes a transmission gear, and wherein a drivebelt is connected between the electric motor drive gear and thetransmission gear such that an angle of a top portion of the drive beltbetween the electric motor drive gear and the transmission gear withrespect to a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of thesnowmobile is equal to or less that 20% and equal to or greater than−20%.

According to one example, an electric vehicle is provided that comprisesa chassis comprising a rear portion and a front portion, and asuspension system comprising a front suspension coupled to the frontportion of the chassis and a rear suspension coupled to the rear portionof the chassis. A battery pack is mounted at least partially on top ofthe rear portion of the chassis. An electric motor, powered by thebattery pack, is mounted below the battery pack and between the rearportion of the chassis and a front end of the electric vehicle. Theelectric vehicle may also include a straddle-seat coupled to the batterypack. The electric vehicle may be a snowmobile.

In some examples, the electric vehicle comprises a transmission mountedto the rear portion of the chassis and coupled to the electric motor.The electric motor may be positioned substantially horizontally relativeto the transmission. The electric vehicles may include a drive linkage(which is optionally a component of the transmission) to couple thetransmission to the electric motor. The drive linkage may comprise adrive belt and/or a drive chain. In some examples, an angle of a portionof the drive linkage extending between the electric motor and thetransmission with respect to a substantially horizontal longitudinalaxis of the electric vehicle is between 11.3 degrees and −11.3 degrees.

In some examples, the rear portion of the chassis comprises a reartunnel and the front portion of the chassis comprises a front bracestructure and the electric vehicle comprises a transmission platecoupled to the electric motor. A first end of the transmission plate isconnected to the rear tunnel and a second end of the transmission plateis connected to the front brace structure. The first end and the secondend of the transmission plate may be spaced apart along a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle. The transmissionplate may comprise a slot extending downwards from a top side of thetransmission plate, and a drive shaft of the electric motor extendsthrough the slot of the transmission plate.

According to one example, an electric snowmobile is provided thatcomprises a chassis comprising a rear tunnel; a battery pack mounted tothe rear tunnel; and an electric motor, powered by the battery pack,mounted below the battery pack and adjacent to a front side of the reartunnel.

In some examples, the chassis comprises a mid-bay and a front bracestructure, the mid-bay being located between the rear tunnel and thefront brace structure, wherein the electric motor is positioned withinthe mid-bay. Optionally, the electric vehicle comprises a transmissionplate coupled to the electric motor. A first end of the transmissionplate may be connected to the rear tunnel and a second end of thetransmission plate may be connected to the front brace structure. Thefirst end and the second end of the transmission plate may be spacedapart along a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of the electricsnowmobile. Further, the transmission plate may comprise a slotextending downwards from a top side of the transmission plate, and adrive shaft of the electric motor may extend through the slot of thetransmission plate.

In some examples, the electric snowmobile comprises a transmissionmounted to the rear tunnel of the chassis and coupled to the electricmotor. The electric motor may be positioned substantially horizontallyrelative to the transmission. A drive linkage may couple thetransmission to the electric motor. An angle of a portion of the drivelinkage extending between the electric motor and the transmission withrespect to a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of the electricvehicle may be between 11.3 degrees and −11.3 degrees.

According to one example, an electric snowmobile is provided thatcomprises a chassis comprising a rear tunnel; a transmission mountedwithin an interior of a rear tunnel; a battery pack mounted to the reartunnel; and an electric motor, powered by the battery pack, mountedadjacent to a front side of the rear tunnel and substantiallyhorizontally relative to the transmission.

According to one example, an electric vehicle is provided that comprisesa straddle-seat, a chassis, and a battery pack coupled to thestraddle-seat to passively transfer heat to the straddle-seat. Thebattery pack may support the straddle-seat to receive loads from thestraddle-seat. In some examples, the battery pack comprises a batteryenclosure, the straddle-seat is mounted to the battery enclosure, andthe battery enclosure is configured to transfer, at least partially,loads from the straddle-seat through a body of the battery enclosure tothe chassis. In some examples, the straddle-seat is configured toreceive radiant heat generated during discharge of the battery pack.Optionally, the electric vehicle is a snowmobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an electricvehicle, according to one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an electric vehicle embodied as a snowmobile,according to one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the snowmobile of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is another side view of the snowmobile of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5A is a partial side view of the snowmobile of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating a load path of a snowmobile,according to one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front top partial perspective view of the snowmobile of FIG.2.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged partial perspective view of section A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged partial perspective view of a connection locationshown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a partial front view of the snowmobile of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery enclosuretaken along the line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an angle of a surface of the batteryenclosure of FIG. 9 relative to a longitudinal axis of the snowmobile ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the snowmobile ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of a snowmobile, according to one exampleof the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a partial side view of a snowmobile, according to one exampleof the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a front top perspective view of a battery pack, according toone example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the battery pack of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the battery pack of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the battery pack of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of an electric motor assembly,according to one example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the electric motorassembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a partial side view of the electric motor assembly of FIG.18.

FIG. 21 is another partial side view of the electric motor assembly ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the electric motor assembly ofFIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shownby way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may bepracticed. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilizedand structural or logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense. It is to beunderstood that features of the various examples described herein may becombined, in part or whole, with each other, unless specifically notedotherwise.

The present disclosure relates, in part, to electric vehicles. In one ormore examples illustrated herein, an electric vehicle is a powersportvehicle such as an electric snowmobile. It is recognized that although asnowmobile is used in some examples, the present disclosure also appliesto other electric vehicles, including other electric powersport vehicles(e.g., electric all-terrain vehicles (ATV), utility task vehicles (UTV),personal watercraft, side-by-side vehicles, motorcycles, etc.). In someexamples, the electric vehicle is a straddle-seat electric vehicle,which is a vehicle where the seat is straddled by a rider, such as asnowmobile, personal watercraft or ATV, among others.

In some embodiments, an electric vehicle includes a battery pack that isconfigured as a structural element. For example, the battery pack mayreceive loads from a suspension system and/or other components of theelectric vehicle during operation of the electric vehicle. Utilizing thebattery pack as a structural element results in dynamic advantages inoperation of the electric vehicle and an ergonomic advantage to theelectric vehicle riders.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating components of an electric vehicle100 according to one example of the present disclosure. The electricvehicle 100 includes a chassis 110 (or frame), a suspension system 112and a battery pack 114, among other components that are not shown. Thebattery pack 114 is configured as a structural element that receivesloads from at least the suspension system 112, indicated at 115 a, andmay transfer loads, at least partially, from the suspension system 112,through the battery pack 114 to the chassis 110, indicated at 115 b. Aswill be described in more detail below, the battery pack 114 may befurther configured to receive loads from all or some of the seating ofthe electric vehicle 100 and a steering column, among other componentsor mechanisms of the electric vehicle 100, and transfer those loads, atleast partially, to the chassis 110.

In some examples, the battery pack 114 may transfer loads to the centerof mass (or center of gravity) of the electric vehicle 100. The centerof mass (CM) may correspond to a location on or within the chassis 110;however, this need not always be the case. The center of mass may alsoor instead correspond to other components of the electric vehicle 100such as the battery pack 114, for example. The transfer of receivedloads from the battery pack 114 to the center of mass may result fromthe battery pack 114 being a structural element that adds strengthand/or rigidity to the electric vehicle 100. The transfer of load in anelectric vehicle may be considered the transfer of inertia from a linearand/or rotational acceleration. By way of example, when the electricvehicle 100 travels over a bump, the suspension system 112 mayexperience a linear and/or rotational acceleration as the suspensionsystem 112 is forced upwards by the bump. The acceleration may betransferred as a load to the center of mass via the battery pack 114.When the load reaches the center of mass, it may be considered to act onthe entire electric vehicle 100, forcing the electric vehicle 100upwards.

It should be noted that although the battery pack 114 is a structuralelement of the electric vehicle 100, forces may also be transferreddirectly from the suspension system 114 to the chassis 110 (or center ofmass) without transiting the battery pack 114. For example, thesuspension system 112 and the center of mass may be connected via otherlinkages that can transfer loads. The proportions of loads that aretransferred via the battery pack 114 may depend on the rigidity of thebattery pack relative to other linkages between the suspension system112 and the center of mass.

In the illustrated example, the battery pack 114 comprises a batteryenclosure 116 housing one or more battery modules 119. The batteryenclosure 116 may protect the battery module 119 from external impacts,water and/or other debris. In one example, it is the battery enclosure116 that is coupled to the suspension system 112 for receiving andtransferring loads between the other vehicle components. A bracestructure 118 that forms part of the chassis 110 may be present totransfer loads between the battery enclosure 116 and the suspensionsystem 112.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an electric vehicle embodied as an electricsnowmobile 120, according to one example of the present disclosure. Thesnowmobile 120 is illustrated with one or more elements removed to aidin describing the remaining elements of the snowmobile 120. For example,in one or more figures, various body panels of the snowmobile 120 (e.g.,the hood) are removed, the endless track is removed and/or thesnowmobile seat is removed.

The snowmobile 120 includes a chassis 122 (or frame), a battery pack 124and a suspension system 126. The chassis 122 provides a load bearingframework for the snowmobile 120. The suspension system 126 connects thechassis 122 to the endless track and/or skis of the snowmobile 120, andprovides the steering/handling of the snowmobile 120. The suspensionsystem 126 may also provide shock absorption to improve ride quality fora user. The chassis 122 and/or suspension system 126 may be formed from,inter alia, metal, metal alloys, plastics and/or composites, forexample.

As described above with respect to FIG. 1, the battery pack 124comprises a battery enclosure 128 that houses one or more batterymodules therein. In one example, the battery pack 124, and morespecifically the battery enclosure 128, forms a structural element ofthe snowmobile 120 and is configured to receive, partially absorb andtransfer loads from other snowmobile components, including thesuspension system 126, the seating (not shown in FIG. 2), and/or asteering system 150, to the vehicle's center of mass and/or to thechassis 122.

The battery enclosure 128 is made of a material that provides sufficientstructural support to the snowmobile 120, or another electric vehicle,such that it acts as a structural element of the vehicle. The materialof the battery enclosure 128 has a stiffness sufficient for receivingand absorbing loads, as well as transmitting loads between the vehiclecomponents (e.g., the suspension system 126, seating and steering system150) and the vehicle's center of mass and/or the chassis 122. Thebattery enclosure 128 may provide sufficient structural support toreplace traditional support members such as braces, tubes and linkages,thus facilitating a more lightweight, compact, cost-efficient and/orergonomic design for the snowmobile 120.

In one example, the battery enclosure 128 is made of a carbon fibercomposite material. Optionally, the carbon fiber composite material mayhave a thickness of 2-3 millimeters with an elastic modulus (i.e.,stiffness) rating of at least 60 GPa. In other examples, the materialhas a stiffness rating between 10 GPa and 70 GPa.

In another example, the battery enclosure 128 is made of a material suchas a polymer or a loaded polymer. In one example, the battery enclosure128 is made of a glass fiber reinforced polymer (plastic) using aninjection molding process, for example. In one example, the polymerincudes glass fiber reinforcement that provides stiffness to the batteryenclosure 128. For example, the polymer may include between 20-40% glassfiber content, and in another non-limiting example, 30% glass fibercontent. In another example, the material of the battery enclosure 128has a stiffness rating of at least 10 times the stiffness of asuspension spring element (i.e., a shock absorber). In another example,the material of the battery enclosure 128 has a stiffness that can rangefrom 3 GPa without any fiber reinforcement to approximately 13 GPa witha 40% fiber reinforcement. It is recognized that other combinations ofmaterial and fiber reinforcement may be used based on the type ofmaterial and fiber used, and design requirements for a givenapplication.

Other materials that the battery enclosure 128 may be made from are alsocontemplated. For example, the battery enclosure 128 may be made inwhole or in part from metal or metal alloys.

The battery enclosure 128 may be formed in a single piece, or multiplepieces that are secured together. For example, the battery enclosure 128may include a floor (not shown) that may be a relatively flat plate thatis secured to the chassis 122 and a lid that connects to the floor inorder to create a cavity for housing the electric battery module(s). Inanother example, the battery enclosure 128 may be made of two halvesthat connect at a central seam. In other examples, the battery enclosure128 could be made of a bucket and a top cover; or there could be afloor, a ring-like central portion and a cover or lid.

It is also recognized that in areas where additional support is needed,the thickness of the material can be increased to provide additionalstiffness. For example, reinforcement ribs can be injection molded intothe material shape and thickness using the same material. In thismanner, additional support and stiffness can be selectively provided todesired areas of the battery enclosure while still injection molding thesame material throughout the process.

In one example, in addition to being a structural element that is ableto receive, absorb and/or transfer loads received from the suspensionsystem 126, the steering system 150 and/or the seating, the batteryenclosure 128 is also designed to withstand impact and damage that maybe experienced during use of the snowmobile 120. In a further example,the battery enclosure 128 is designed to protect the electric batteryfrom the elements, and when sealed, may provide a water-tight enclosurethat is closed to water and foreign debris ingress. In this manner, thebattery enclosure 128 may provide sufficient protection such that theelectric battery module(s) can be housed directly within the batteryenclosure 128.

In one example, the battery enclosure 128 might not be completely sealedto the elements and the electric battery module(s) may be providedwithin a non-structural watertight enclosure that is then, in-turn,housed within the structural battery enclosure 128. The batteryenclosure 128 may include an exoskeleton that provides a relativelylightweight yet rigid shape to at least partially protect the batterymodules, while also acting as a structural element of the snowmobile120. For example, the exoskeleton may include a honeycomb latticestructure. Another enclosure, such as a watertight bag or container, forexample, may provide the battery modules with protection from theelements.

Advantageously, the battery enclosure 128 may provide both housing ofthe battery modules (e.g., water-tight encapsulation and/or protection)and structural support. Combining this functionality in the batteryenclosure 128 may reduce the size and/or weight of the chassis 122, forexample, and enable a more lightweight, compact, cost-efficient and/orergonomic design of the snowmobile 120. For example, implementing thebattery enclosure 128 as a structural element may eliminate the need forother structural components that add strength and rigidity to thesnowmobile 120.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the snowmobile 120 and FIG. 4 is another sideview of the snowmobile 120. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the snowmobile120 includes a front end 102, a rear end 104 (or back end), a top 106and a bottom 108. The snowmobile also includes two sides. One or morelongitudinal axis, transverse axis and vertical axis may be defined forthe snowmobile 120. A longitudinal axis generally extends between thefront end 102 and the rear end 104 of the snowmobile 120, andcorresponds to a typical horizontal direction of travel for thesnowmobile 120. A vertical axis extends in the vertical directionbetween the top 106 and bottom 108 when the snowmobile 120 is orientedfor operation, i.e., with the suspension system 122 supporting thesnowmobile 120 on the ground. A transverse axis extends horizontallybetween the two sides of the snowmobile 120.

As also shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the chassis 122 of the snowmobile 120includes a rear tunnel 130 and a front brace structure 132. The frontbrace structure 132 is connected to and configured to receive loads fromthe suspension system 126. The front brace structure 132 includes afirst top brace 134 and a second top brace 136. The rear tunnel 130and/or the front brace structure 132 may be made from metal, metalalloys, plastics and/or composite materials, for example.

The suspension system 126 may be coupled to the battery enclosure 128,either directly or indirectly through the chassis 122, and morespecifically through at least the front brace structure 132. In oneexample, the suspension system 126 may comprise a front suspensionsystem that includes a first suspension leg 138 and a second suspensionleg 140. The first suspension leg 138 includes a first shock absorber142 and is coupled to a first ski assembly 144. The second suspensionleg 140 includes a second shock absorber 146 and is coupled to a secondski assembly 148. The first top brace 134 is coupled between the batteryenclosure 128 and the first suspension leg 138. The second top brace 136is coupled between the battery enclosure 128 and the second suspensionleg 140. The first suspension leg 138 and the second suspension leg 140may also include other structural components, such as one or morewishbone arms and/or one or more anti-roll bars, that may be connectedto the front brace structure 132 and/or to other portions of the chassis122.

The shock absorbers 142, 146 may each comprise a coil over spring anddamper assembly, a hydraulic or pneumatic piston assembly, or any othertype of shock assembly known to those skilled in the art. The shockabsorbers 142, 146 are connected either directly or indirectly betweentheir respective ski assemblies 144, 148 and the front brace structure132 of the chassis 122.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the suspension system 126 includes a back orrear suspension system 180 (which may also be referred to as a “skid” or“rear skid”) to support the real tunnel 130. The rear suspension system180 may include one or more skid rails to support an endless track thatprovides traction to drive the snowmobile 120. The rear suspensionsystem 180 may also include a front control arm, a rear control arm andone or more shock absorbers that connect the slide rails to the reartunnel 130.

Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is the steering system 150 having handlebarattachment 154 coupled to an upper portion of the steering column 152.The handlebar attachment 154 may enable handlebars to be rigidly coupledto the steering column 152 and enable a user to rotate the steeringcolumn 152 to turn the snowmobile 120 during use.

The steering system 150 also includes a steering assembly 156 coupled tothe first and second ski assemblies 144, 148. The steering assembly 156includes a first steering arm 157 (or steering link) and a secondsteering arm 159. The first steering arm 157 connects a lower portion ofthe steering column 152 to the first ski assembly 144 and the secondsteering arm 159 connects the lower portion of the steering column 152to the second ski assembly 148. The connections between the steeringcolumn, the steering arms 157, 159 and the ski assemblies 144, 148 maybe rotatable and/or pivotable (e.g., using ball joints) to accommodaterotation of the steering column 152 and/or motion of the suspension legs138, 140. In some examples, the steering arms 157, 159 might not bedirectly coupled to the steering column 152. A rack and pinion assemblymight be implemented between the steering column 152 and the steeringarms 157, 159. In this way, the steering arms 157, 159 might beindirectly coupled to the steering column. Similarly, the steering arms157, 159 might also or instead be indirectly coupled to the skiassemblies 144, 148.

The steering column 152 is securely and rotatably coupled to the batteryenclosure 128 at a location 160 via a steering mount. The steeringcolumn 152 may extend at least partially through the battery enclosure128. In one example, the steering column 152 freely rotates within atunnel or slot 162 defined by the battery enclosure 128 during steeringof the snowmobile 120. One or more examples of the steering system 150are described in further detail elsewhere herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As indicated above, thechassis 122 comprises the rear tunnel 130 and the front brace structure132. The battery pack 124 is illustrated positioned, at least partially,over the rear tunnel 130. The battery enclosure 128 of the battery pack124 defines a tunnel portion 200 (or rear portion) and a front portion202. In one example, the tunnel portion 200 (or rear portion) isconnected to the rear tunnel 130 of the chassis 122, and the frontportion 202 is connected to the front brace structure 132. In oneexample, the tunnel portion 200 may be generally rectangular shaped withone or more chamfered edges, although other shapes are also possible,including an elongated dome shape, or a truncated prismatic shape, amongother possibilities. The tunnel portion 200 is connected to the reartunnel 130 of the chassis 122 at connection points or blocks 204. Thetunnel portion 200 may be rigidly connected to the rear tunnel 130 viamechanical fasteners such as nuts and bolts, rivets, staples, etc. Insome embodiments, a bottom portion or floor of the battery enclosure 128may be connected to the rear tunnel 130 more permanently via welding,soldering or adhesion among other possibilities. In such a case, anupper portion or lid of the battery enclosure 128 may then be rigidlyfastened to the floor via mechanical fasteners, a friction fit, a snapfit or any other suitable removable fastening mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front portion 202 of the battery enclosure 128may be generally rectangular shaped and is located towards the front ofsnowmobile 120. In some cases, the front portion 202 may have one ormore chamfered edges. In one example, front portion 202 of the batteryenclosure 128 has different width and height dimensions from tunnelportion 200 of the battery enclosure 128, such that there is a clearvisual demarcation between the tunnel portion 200 and the front portion202 of the battery enclosure 128. However, in other embodiments, thefront portion 202 may have only a different height or a different widthfrom the tunnel portion 200, and not both. In still further embodiments,the front portion 202 may have the same height and width as the tunnelportion 200 along an entire length of the battery enclosure 128, suchthat there is no distinct visual demarcation between the tunnel portion200 and the front portion 202. In still further embodiments, the batteryenclosure 128 may gradually increase in height and/or width from therear of the tunnel portion 200 to the front of the front portion 202.The battery enclosure 128 may have any shape or configuration that issuitable for housing one or more battery modules and attaching to thetunnel 130 and front brace structure 132 of the electric vehicle.

FIG. 5A is a partial side view of the snowmobile 120. With reference toFIG. 5A, in one example, the front portion 202 of the battery enclosure128 defines a first height 206 and the tunnel portion 202 of batteryenclosure 128 defines a second height 208. As illustrated, the firstheight 206 and the second height 208 are generally measured along avertical axis of the snowmobile 120. In one example, the first height206 is greater than the second height 208. In other examples, the firstheight 206 is less than the second height 208. In one example, the frontportion 202 of battery enclosure 128 defines a first width 210 and thetunnel portion 202 of battery enclosure 128 defines a second width 212.As shown, the first width 210 and the second width 212 are generallymeasured along a transverse axis of the snowmobile 120. In one example,the first width 210 is greater than the second width 212. In otherexamples, the first width 210 is less than the second width 212.

In one example, battery pack 124 has an approximate overall length(along a longitudinal axis) of 1563 mm, width of 596 mm, and height of437 mm. It is recognized that the overall length, width and height ofbattery pack 124 may vary based on the design of snowmobile 120. Inanother example, the approximate overall length of battery pack 124 isin a range of 750-2000 mm, the width is in a range of 450 mm-600 mm, andthe height is in a range of 350-550 mm.

FIG. 6 is a top front perspective view of the snowmobile 120. Thebattery enclosure 128 includes the tunnel portion 200 positioned overrear tunnel 130, and the front portion 202 positioned at or in proximityto the front of the rear tunnel 130.

In one or more examples, it is recognized that the battery enclosure 128may provide one single internal cavity for the battery module(s) of theelectric battery, or multiple segmented internal cavities that canseparate the different battery module(s) of the electric battery. Theremay be cutouts in the segmenting walls for enabling electricalinterconnection of the battery modules.

In one example, the battery enclosure 128 may be one overall componentmade up of a floor and a cover or lid. In another example, the batteryenclosure 128 may comprise multiple separate battery enclosurecomponents that each have a floor and cover or lid. The separateenclosure components may comprise two separate enclosure components (forexample, the tunnel portion 200 and the front portion 202 may each forma separate distinct battery enclosure component). Alternatively, thebattery enclosure 128 could be divided up differently, and into evenmore than two separate battery enclosure components. The separatebattery enclosure components can be positioned on the chassis 122 in thesame configuration as described for a single battery enclosure (i.e., inthe same position as shown FIG. 3), or the different individual batteryenclosure components could be positioned differently in relation to therear tunnel 130 and front brace structure 132 of the chassis 122. In oneexample, the front portion 202 may be positioned in a mid-bay region inhorizontal alignment with the rear tunnel 130 and the motor ispositioned above the front portion 202 of the battery enclosure 128. Theseparate battery enclosure components may be unconnected when installedon an electric vehicle, or the separate battery enclosure componentscould be connected together with brackets, etc. The electric batterymodule(s) housed within the separate battery enclosure components wouldbe electrically interconnected.

As described above, multiple battery enclosures may be used and operablyconnected together. The multiple battery enclosures may allow for a moreoptimal weight distribution. In one example, as batteries get smallerand more powerful it may be beneficial to locate the batteries in anumber of enclosures to improve ergonomic design and performance of theelectric vehicle.

In one example, the battery enclosure 128 may house only the electricbattery modules (and possibly wiring/electronics and supportingstructures for the battery modules) of the electric battery. In anotherexample, the battery enclosure 128 may house the electric battery aswell as other components of the electric vehicle, such as batterymanagement controllers, thermal management systems, a motor assembly,etc.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged partial perspective view of section A of FIG. 6showing the battery enclosure 128 front portion 202. The front portion202 includes a top surface 300, a front surface 302, a first sidesurface 304, a second side surface 306, and a bottom surface 308. Itshould be noted that the top surface 300 is not limited to a single flatsurface. For example, the top surface 300 may be formed from multiplesurfaces disposed at the top of the battery enclosure 128. There mayalso or instead be multiple top surfaces of the battery enclosure 128.Similar comments apply to the front surface 302, the first side surface304, the second side surface 306 and the bottom surface 308.

The front brace structure 132 may be coupled to the battery enclosure128 at one or more of the top surface 300, the front surface 302, thefirst side surface 304, the second side surface 306 and the bottomsurface 308. In one example, the front brace structure 132 is coupled tobattery enclosure 128 at least partially at the top surface 300. Inanother example, the front brace structure 132 is coupled to the batteryenclosure 128 at least partially at the front surface 302. In anotherexample, the front brace structure 132 is coupled to the batteryenclosure 128 at least partially at a front edge 330 formed by the topsurface 300 and the front surface 302. The front brace structure 132 mayalso or instead be coupled to the battery enclosure 128 at the bottomsurface 308.

In one example, the front brace structure 132 is rigidly coupled to thebattery enclosure 128 at four connection points for transferring load tothe battery enclosure 128. The front brace structure 132 includes thefirst top brace 134 and the second top brace 136. The first top brace134 includes a first end 320 and a second end 322. The second top brace136 includes a first end 324 and a second end 326. The first top brace134 is connected to battery enclosure 128 at the first end 320. In oneexample, the first end 320 of first top brace 134 is connected to boththe top surface 300 and the front surface 302 at the front edge 330 (ata first connection location 332). The second top brace 136 is connectedto the battery enclosure 128 at the first end 324. In one example, thefirst end 324 of the second top brace 136 is connected to both the topsurface 300 and the front side surface 302 at the front edge 330 (at asecond connection location 334). In one example, the first connectionlocation 332 is spaced apart from the second connection location 334along the front edge 330, identified as top space 336. The top space 336is shown as distance between the first connection location 332 and thesecond connection location 334 along a lateral axis of the snowmobile120.

In one example, the second end 322 of first top brace 134 is connectedto the front surface 302 and/or to the bottom surface 308 of the batteryenclosure 128 (at a third connection location 342) via one or morelinkages. In one example, the second end 326 of second top brace 136 isconnected to the front surface 302 and/or to the bottom surface 308 (ata fourth connection location 344) via one or more linkages. Optionally,the third connection location 342 and/or the fourth connection location344 is at a front bottom edge 340 formed by the front surface 302 andthe bottom surface 308 of the battery enclosure 128. In one example, thethird connection location 342 is spaced apart from the fourth connectionlocation 344 along the front bottom edge 340, identified as bottom space346. The bottom space 346 is shown as distance between the thirdconnection location 342 and the fourth connection location 344 along alateral axis of the snowmobile 120. In one example, bottom space 346 iswider than top space 336. In another example, top space 336 is widerthan bottom space 346. In yet another example, the top space 336 isapproximately equal to the bottom space 346.

In one example, the front brace structure 132 includes a cross bracestructure 350. The cross brace 350 extends between the first top brace134 and the second top brace 136. The cross brace 350 provides bracingbetween the first top brace 134 and the second top brace 136 at thesecond end 322 and the second end 326. In one example, the cross brace350 is connected to the second end 322 at a joint member 352. The crossbrace 350 is connected to the second end 326 at a joint member 354.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged partial view of the fourth connection location344, indicated at 321. Referring to FIG. 7B, the second top brace 136 isconnected to the battery enclosure 128 at the second end 326 through thejoint member 354 and a mechanical linkage 325.

As outlined above, the front portion 202 of the battery enclosure 128 iscoupled to the front brace structure 132. In the example shown in FIG.7A, the first top brace 134 and the second top brace 136 of the frontbrace structure 132 are connected to front portion 202 of the batteryenclosure 128. More specifically, in the example shown, the fourconnection points 332,334,342,344 provide a secure and rigid connectionbetween the front brace structure 132 and battery enclosure 128. Thisprovides for the transferring of loads between suspension system 126 andthe battery pack 124. The connection points 332, 334, 342, 344 mayimplement, inter alia, mechanical fasteners (e.g., nuts, bolts, screwsand rivets), welds, adhesives, snap-fit connections and any combinationthereof to form rigid connections.

It is recognized that other design configurations and connections mayexist between the front brace structure 132 and the battery enclosure128, in order for the battery enclosure 128 to be connected to andreceive loads from suspension system 126. In one example, there arefewer than four connection points between front brace structure 132 andthe battery enclosure 128. In one example, there are more than fourconnection points between the front brace structure 132 and batteryenclosure 128. The surfaces and/or edges of the battery enclosure 128 onwhich the connection points are located are also not limited. Forexample, the front brace structure may also or instead be coupled to thefirst side surface 304 and/or to the second side surface 306. Theconnection points may be fixed or removable. The structure of the frontbrace structure 132 may take on many different forms and remain withinthe scope of the present disclosure.

In one example, loads or forces imparted by the steering system 150, andmore specifically by the steering column 152, of the electric vehicleare received by the battery enclosure 128 of the battery pack 124. Theseloads are partially absorbed by the battery enclosure 128 and/ortransferred to the vehicle's center of mass and/or chassis 122 throughthe battery pack 124.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the snowmobile 120.In the example shown in FIG. 11, the steering system 150 comprises asteering mount 430 that includes a first side mount 452 and a secondside mount 454 attached to the front portion 202 of the batteryenclosure 128. The first side mount 452 and/or the second side mount 454may implement, inter alia, one or more mechanical fasteners, welds,adhesives, snap-fit connections and any combination thereof to rigidlyconnect to the battery enclosure. A member 424 extends between firstside mount 452 and second side mount 454, and operates to hold thesteering column 152 to the battery enclosure 128. The member 424 alsoallows steering column 152 to rotate during operation of the steeringsystem 150.

In one example, the member 424 includes a pipe member having an axisaligned with an axis of the steering column 152. In operation, thesteering column 152 passes through the pipe member and is supported bythe pipe member.

As the operator of the snowmobile 120 steers and maneuvers the vehicle,loads are transferred from the steering column 152 to the steering mount430, which in turn transfers loads from the steering column 152 to thebattery pack 124, and specifically the battery enclosure 128. Thebattery enclosure 128 may absorb some of those loads and/or transfer theloads from the steering column 152 to the vehicle's center of massand/or the chassis 122.

FIG. 12 is a partial side view of a snowmobile 500, according to oneexample of the present disclosure. Snowmobile 500 is similar to thesnowmobile 120 previously detailed herein. Snowmobile 500 includesbattery pack 124 having battery enclosure 128.

The battery enclosure 128 includes the tunnel portion 200 and the frontportion 202. The tunnel portion 200 includes a tunnel portion front end506 and a tunnel portion back end 508. The tunnel portion 200 is locatedover and secured to the chassis rear tunnel 130. The front portion 202is located near the front of the snowmobile 500, at the tunnel portionfront end 506.

The snowmobile 500 includes a seat 510 and a backrest 512. Asillustrated, the snowmobile seat 510 is a straddle-seat that is to bestraddled by a rider, i.e., with a leg positioned on either side of theseat 510. The seat includes a cushion 522.

The battery pack 124 provides structural support for the snowmobile 500seating, which may comprise one or both of a snowmobile seat 510 andbackrest 512. In one example, the snowmobile seat 510 and backrest 512are mounted directly to the battery pack enclosure 128. In one example,the seat 510 is mounted to the battery pack enclosure 128 via brackets(not shown) such that a space is provided between the tunnel portion 200of the battery pack enclosure 128 and the seat 510. In another example,the seat 510 is mounted to the battery pack enclosure 128 such that atleast a portion of a bottom surface of the seat 510 is in direct contactwith a surface of the tunnel portion 200 of the battery pack enclosure128. The seat 510 is connected to the tunnel portion 200 of the batteryenclosure 128, and extends from the front portion 202 at the tunnelportion front end 506 to the tunnel portion back end 508. Batteryenclosure 128 is a structural element of the snowmobile that supportsseat 510 and optionally the backrest 512. Further, the battery enclosure128 tunnel portion 200 receives loads transmitted from the seat 510 andpartially absorbs and/or transfers those loads to the vehicle's centerof mass and/or the chassis 122 due to one or more riders positioned onthe seat 510 or the result of operation of the snowmobile 500 overvarious snow terrain.

In some examples, heat generated by the battery pack 124 may betransferred through the battery enclosure 128 and into the seat 510.This heat may be generated during discharge of the battery pack 124 topower an electric motor and/or other systems of the snowmobile 500. Theheat may be transferred passively to the seat 510 via radiation,conduction and/or convection, for example. Transfer of the heat into theseat 510 may warm the cushion 522 and, optionally, an operator seated onthe cushion 522. In this way, by mounting the seat 510 onto the batterypack 124, heat generated by the battery pack 124 may provide a morepleasant experience for the operator in cold conditions. This heat mightotherwise be lost into the ambient environment. Further, because anoperator may straddle the battery pack 124 when riding the snowmobile500, heat generated by the battery pack 124 may radiate out the lateralsides of the battery enclosure 128 and warm the legs of the operator.

The seat backrest 512 is supported by the battery enclosure 128 tunnelportion 200. In one example, the seat backrest 512 is mounted directlyto the battery enclosure 128 at the tunnel portion back end 508. Theseat back rest 512 includes a bracket 524. The bracket 524 is generallyL-shaped, including a generally vertical first leg 526 and a generallyhorizontal second leg 528. A cushion of the backrest 512 may be attachedto the first leg 526. The second leg 528 is attached to the tunnelportion 200. The seat 510 may extend rearward beyond a top surface ofthe battery enclosure tunnel portion 200 and be supported by the secondleg 528. Seat loads (e.g., by a rider during operation of thesnowmobile) are received by the battery pack 124, and specifically thebattery enclosure 128, via connection points between the seat 510 andthe battery pack 124. Additionally, seat loads are transferred duringuse from the seat backrest 512 to the battery pack 124 at locationswhere the seat backrest 512 is connected to the battery pack 124.

In one example, the seat 510 is rigidly fastened at four places onto thebattery pack 124. There may be two plastic hooks (not shown) on the topsurface of the tunnel portion back end 508 of the battery enclosure 128that mate with corresponding slots located on the bottom of the seat 510(i.e., the seat pan). Additionally, there may be two aluminum tabs on afore portion of the seat pan (one on each side) that fasten the seat 510to the battery enclosure 128. In one example, the seat 510 is rigidlyfastened to the battery pack 124 via the seat pan using screw holes withthreaded inserts on the lid of the battery enclosure 128. Other types ofconnections between the seat 510 and the battery enclosure 128 are alsopossible.

In one example, the seat backrest 512 is fully supported by the batteryenclosure 128. In contrast, typical backrests are mounted directly to asnowmobile chassis. With the battery enclosure 128 being used to fullysupport the seat backrest 512, additional storage area is available onthe rear tunnel 130 for cargo or other utility use. In one example, thebackrest 512 is a separate component independently and directly attachedto the battery pack 124 using one or more mechanical fasteners, welds,adhesives, snap-fit connections and any combination thereof, forexample. In another example, the seat backrest 512 is at least partiallypart of or an extension of the seat 510.

Loads imparted on the snowmobile seating (i.e., one or both of the seat510 and the backrest 512), are received directly by the battery pack124, and specifically the battery enclosure 128. The battery enclosure128 may absorb some of those loads and/or transfer the loads from theseating to the vehicle's center of mass and/or the chassis 130.

In operation, as the snowmobile 120, 500 is driven across a variedterrain, loads are transferred from the suspension system 126 (e.g., thefirst suspension leg 138 and the second suspension leg 140) through thefront brace structure 132 (e.g., through the corresponding first topbrace 134 and the second top brace 136) to the battery enclosure 128.Likewise, loads are transferred from the seating (e.g., the seat 510 andthe backrest 512) and the steering system 150 to the battery enclosure128. The battery enclosure 128 acts as a structural element, and afterreceiving the loads then transfers the loads through the body of thebattery enclosure 128 to the vehicle's center of mass and/or to the reartunnel 130. In one or more examples described herein, loads aretransferred to the rear tunnel 130 since the center of mass of thevehicle is located at the rear tunnel 130. As such, it is recognizedthat the loads are transferred to the center of mass located within therear tunnel 130.

FIG. 5B is a block diagram illustrating a load path of a snowmobile(e.g., the snowmobile 120, 500), according to one example of the presentdisclosure. The load path is also illustrated in FIG. 5A. The load pathis illustrated using arrows 220, 222, 224, 226 and 228. In one example,as the snowmobile 120, 500 moves over a given terrain or snow profile,load is transferred from the suspension system 126 (via the firstsuspension leg 138 and the second suspension leg 140) to the front bracestructure 132 (via the first top brace 134 and the second top brace136); load is then transferred from the front brace structure 132 (viafirst the top brace structure 134 and second the top brace structure136) to the battery enclosure 128 (e.g., to the front surface 302 of thebattery enclosure 128); and the load is then transferred, at leastpartially, from the battery enclosure 128 (via the front portion 202 andthe tunnel portion 200) to the chassis 122 including the rear tunnel130.

Traditional electric powersport vehicles, such as combustion enginesnowmobiles, often have curved steering columns and/or complex linkagesconnecting the steering column to their steering assembly. This is aresult of the steering column having to avoid interference with thecombustion engine, which is typically housed in the front portion of thesnowmobile.

In some embodiments, an electric vehicle includes a battery pack designthat accommodates a straight steering column. Such battery pack designsmay leverage the modular nature of battery pack components. For example,battery modules and/or other components of a battery pack may bearranged within the battery pack to form a slot to receive the steeringcolumn.

It should be noted that battery packs and enclosures without a slot forreceiving a steering column are also contemplated and are includedwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a partial front view of thebattery enclosure 128 and the chassis 122 of the snowmobile 120. In oneexample, the battery enclosure 128 front portion 202 may define a slot162. The slot 162 is illustrated as a substantially straight channel orgroove in the front portion 202 of the battery enclosure 128. The slot162 extends downward from the top surface 300 of the battery enclosure128 for receiving the steering column 152 of the snowmobile 120. In thisway, the steering column 152 is able to at least partially pass throughthe battery enclosure 128. The straight slot 162 defined within thebattery enclosure 128 enables the electric vehicle to use a linear,substantially straight, steering column 152 and a relatively uncomplexconnection between the steering column 152 and the steering assembly156.

In one example, the slot 162 extends from the top surface 300 of batteryenclosure 128 to a front surface 302 of the battery enclosure 128. Theslot 162 may be at least partially formed by the front surface 302. Inanother example, the slot 162 extends downwards from the top surface 300of the battery enclosure 128 to the bottom surface 308 of the batteryenclosure 128. The slot 162 may at least partially pass through thebottom surface 308.

In one example, the slot 162 is generally geometrically shaped. Forexample, the slot 162 can be partially circular, oval or square shapedin cross-section. In other examples, the slot 162 is not geometricallyshaped. The slot 162 may have an open side along its length. In otherembodiments, the slot 162 can be defined as a wholly or partiallyenclosed slot extending through the battery enclosure 128. In one ormore examples, the slot 162 may take on the form of a tunnel, pipe, ortubular member.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the slot 162 taken along the line9-9 in FIG. 8. In one example, the slot is generally U-shaped incross-section. The slot 162 is defined by a first side wall 400, asecond side wall 402, and a bottom surface 404. Additional walls and/orsurfaces may also be present in other slot designs. In one example, thebottom surface 404 has an angle along its length that generally matchesan angle of the steering column 152. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustratingan angle of the bottom surface 404 relative to a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis of the snowmobile 120 indicated at 410.With reference to FIG. 10, the bottom surface 404 of the slot 162extends at an angle of between 30 degrees and 60 degrees with respect tothe horizontal longitudinal axis 410. In one example, the substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis 410 of the electric snowmobile is definedby a top surface of rear tunnel 130.

A width 412 of the slot 162 is defined by the distance between the firstsidewall 400 and the second sidewall 402. In one example, the width 412of slot 162 is between 30 millimeters and 60 millimeters. The width ofslot 162 may vary along its length. In one example, the width of slot162 is wider at a top end of the slot 162 than at a bottom end of slot162. In another example, the width 412 of slot 162 is substantiallyconstant along its length with first sidewall 400 being substantiallyparallel to second sidewall 402.

Referring back to FIG. 8, in one example, the slot 162 divides the frontportion 202 of battery enclosure 128 into two sides, defined as a frontportion first side 420 and a front portion second side 422. In oneexample, the slot 162 is positioned substantially centrally with respectto the first side surface 304 and the second side surface 306, such thatthe slot 162 divides the front portion 202 of the battery enclosure intotwo halves. Alternatively, the slot 162 may not be positioned centrally,such that the front portion first side 420 and front portion second side422 are of different sizes. In operation, the front portion first side420 and the front portion second side 422 each house one or moreelectric battery modules. In one example, the front portion first side420 and the front portion second side 422 each house a stack of batterymodules. In other examples, at least one of the front portion first side420 and the front portion second side 422 contain or house one or morecomponents of the battery pack 124 other than a battery module, such asa battery controller and/or heating/cooling ducts, for example.

As described above, the slot 162 is configured such that a substantiallystraight steering column 152 passes through the slot 162. The steeringsystem 150 includes the steering mount 430 that operably couples thesteering column 152 to the battery enclosure 128 to support the upperportion of the steering column 152. In some examples, the steering mount430 couples to the steering column 152 to the top surface 300 of thebattery enclosure. The first side mount 452 is attached on the frontportion first side 420 at a top end of the slot 162 and the second sidemount 454 is attached on the front portion second side 422 on anopposite side of the slot 162 from the first side mount 452. Thesteering mount 430 allows the steering column 152 to operate within theslot 162 while providing structural support to the steering column 152within steering system 150. For example, the steering mount 430 mayprovide support and structural stiffness to the steering column 162. Thesteering mount 430 is coupled to the battery enclosure 128 at a positionthat enables the steering column 152 to be received within the slot 162.The steering mount 430 may provide a structural stiffness to thesnowmobile handlebars, and in turn, an improved experience to asnowmobile operator. The steering mount 430 may also transfer loads fromthe steering system 150 to the battery enclosure 128.

FIG. 13 is a partial side view of a snowmobile 600, according to oneexample of the present disclosure. The snowmobile 600 is similar to thesnowmobile 120 and snowmobile 500 previously described herein. FIG. 13depicts the battery pack 124 positioned on the chassis 122. An electricbattery is housed within the battery enclosure 128 of the battery pack124. The electric battery comprises multiple electric battery modules714. Both the tunnel portion 200 and the front portion 202 of batteryenclosure 128 contain the battery modules 714 to power snowmobile 120.

The snowmobile 600 illustrates one example of the relative locations ofthe battery pack 124 and an electric motor assembly 610 on thesnowmobile chassis 122. By arranging the locations of the battery pack124 and the electric motor assembly 610 appropriately, the location ofcenter of mass 612 can be improved. This provides for a bettersnowmobile ride experience and better snowmobile performance. Forexample, too much weight forward can result in poor snowmobile tractionand acceleration. With too much weight backward, there can be a loss ofsnowmobile steering and control. As such, it is desirable to locate thecenter of mass and weight distribution to improve both snowmobilecontrol and performance.

The snowmobile 600 includes a rear portion of the chassis 122 havingrear tunnel 130. A portion of the battery enclosure 128 is mounted onthe rear tunnel 130. The electric motor assembly 610 is mounted belowthe battery enclosure 128 and adjacent a front side 620 of the reartunnel 130. The chassis 122 further defines a mid-bay 630. The mid-bay630 is located between the rear tunnel 130 and the front brace structure132. In some embodiments, the mid-bay 630 may form part of the frontbrace structure 132. In one example, the electric motor assembly 610 ispositioned within the mid-bay 630. The electric motor assembly 610includes a drive shaft operably aligned with the snowmobile drivetransmission 640. The drive transmission 640 may include a drive linkageto drivingly couple to the electric motor assembly 610. In one example,the drive transmission 640 is a belt drive system and/or a chain drivesystem. As such, it is efficient to have the motor assembly 610 locatedwithin the mid-bay 630 in the lower front area of chassis 122. In thisconfiguration, the motor assembly 610 and drive transmission 640 areefficiently mounted right next to each other on the snowmobile chassis122.

Further examples of the electric motor assembly 610 being within themid-bay 630 is described in further detail later in this specification.

The battery pack 124 includes a tunnel battery pack 710 and a mid-baybattery pack 712. The tunnel battery pack 710 is generally correspondsto the tunnel portion 200 of the battery pack 124 and the mid-baybattery pack 712 generally corresponds to the front portion 202 of thebattery pack 124. Each battery pack 710 and 712 includes a plurality ofthe battery modules 714. The battery modules 714 are one of the heaviestdesign elements of snowmobile 600. The location of battery packs 710 and712, and therefore distribution of the battery modules 714 over thechassis 122, aids in desired weight distribution across the snowmobile600. The tunnel battery pack 710 is located above the rear tunnel 130(and below the snowmobile seat). The mid-bay battery pack 712 is locatedabove the front end of rear tunnel 130 within mid-bay 630 and above theelectric motor assembly 610. This may provide a shifted and improvedlocation of the center of mass 612, resulting in a snowmobile withimproved weight distribution and balance, and overall snowmobileperformance.

The battery pack 124 includes the battery enclosure 128 having a lid orcover and floor. The battery cover operates primarily to protect thebattery modules and as a structural element to transfer loads from thesuspension system 126 to the snowmobile chassis 122. The battery packfloor primarily operates to support the battery modules 714 within thebattery pack 124.

FIGS. 14 to 17 illustrate one example of the battery pack 124, includingthe battery modules 714. For ease of illustration, the battery pack 124is shown with the battery enclosure lid removed for a view of theinternal structure of the battery pack 124.

FIG. 14 is a front top perspective view of the battery pack 124,according to one example of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 shows thebattery modules 714 that make up an electric battery within the batterypack 124. The battery pack 124 includes the battery enclosure 128 thathouses the battery modules 714. The battery enclosure 128 includes abattery pack cover or lid 716 (shown removed) and a battery pack supportfloor 718. The battery pack support floor 718 holds and supports thebattery modules 714. Further, the battery modules 714 are securelyretained within the battery pack 124 by a battery support structure 720.

The battery pack 124 comprises a plurality of battery stacks 740, whereeach stack is retained within a cartridge assembly 742. Each batterystack 740 is made up of two or more battery modules and retained withina cartridge assembly 742. In one example, the tunnel battery pack 710 ismade up of four battery stacks 744. Each battery stack 744 includes twobattery modules 714 stacked together within a cartridge assembly 742. Assuch, the tunnel battery pack 710 includes eight total battery modules714. The battery stacks 744 are positioned on the battery pack supportfloor 718. The battery support structure 720 aids in maintaining eachbattery stack 744 in a desired location on support floor 718. Thebattery support structure 720 operates to maintain a desired spacingbetween individual battery stacks 740, and also maintain spacing betweenthe battery stacks 740 and the battery enclosure.

In one example, a mid-bay battery pack 712 is made up of two batterystacks 748. One battery stack 748 is disposed in the front portion firstside 420 and the other battery stack 748 is disposed in the frontportion second side 422. Each battery stack 748 includes three batterymodules 714 stacked together within a cartridge assembly 742. As such,the mid-bay battery stack 712 includes six total battery modules 714.The battery stacks 748 are positioned on battery pack support floor 718.Battery support structure 720 aids in maintaining each battery stack 748in a desired location on support floor 718. Battery support structure720 operates to maintain a desired spacing between individual batterystacks 748, and also maintain spacing between the battery stacks 748 andthe battery enclosure 128. In one example, the battery support structure420 is part of the battery enclosure 128. In one example, the spacingbetween battery stacks 748 located within mid-bay battery pack 712 isalso dependent on the space requirements for slot 162 to accommodate thesnowmobile steering column.

In one example, the battery support structure 720 is made of a rigidmaterial, such as a rigid polymeric material. In one example, individualmembers of battery support structure 720 are generally tubular shapedmembers.

In one example, each battery module 714 is generally rectangular shaped.The battery modules 714 within the battery stacks 744 are orientated ina direction different than the battery modules 714 positioned withinbattery stacks 744. In one example, the battery modules 714 withinbattery stack 744 are orientated perpendicular to an orientation of thebattery modules 714 contained within battery stacks 748. In otherembodiments, all of the battery modules 714 are oriented in the samedirection.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the battery pack 124 of FIG. 14, furtherillustrating the battery support structure 720 and the battery stacks740. FIG. 16 is a side view of the battery pack 124 further illustratingthe tunnel battery pack 710 and the mid-bay battery pack 712. FIG. 17 isa front view of the battery pack 124, further illustrating the mid-baybattery stack 748.

Each battery module 714 contained within the battery pack 124 is made ofone or more battery cells. In one example, the battery modules arelightweight ‘pouch” battery modules, where each battery module includestwo or more pouch battery cells. The battery cells may be prismaticbattery cells. In one example, the prismatic battery cells arelithium-ion prismatic battery cells. One or more examples of a batterystack, a battery cartridge, battery module and battery cooling panelassembly, including pouch battery modules and pouch battery cells,suitable for use in the present electric vehicle are disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/091,777 titled Battery Cooling Panel forElectric Vehicles filed Nov. 6, 2020, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the positions of a battery pack, an electric motorand/or a transmission on a chassis of an electric vehicle are selectedto provide a more space-efficient design, better manage loads from theelectric motor, and/or to improve the location of the center of mass ofthe electric vehicle. In one example, an electric vehicle includes achassis defining a rear portion and a front portion. A transmission maybe mounted to a rear portion of the chassis and a battery pack may bemounted on top of the rear portion of the chassis. An electric motor maybe mounted below the battery enclosure and between a front side of therear portion of the chassis and a front end of the electric vehicle. Inthis way, the transmission and the electric motor may be proximate toeach other underneath the battery pack to conserve space.

Further, the electric motor may be positioned generally horizontallyrelative to the transmission. In one example, the electric vehicleincludes a transmission drive shaft and a motor drive shaft spaced apartalong a longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle. The motor drive shaftmay be coupled to the transmission drive shaft via a drive linkage suchas a drive belt, for example. A portion of the drive linkage extendingbetween the transmission drive shaft and the motor drive shaft may besubstantially horizontal (e.g., substantially parallel to a longitudinalaxis of the electric vehicle).

A transmission plate may be attached to the electric motor to providestructural stability to the electric motor. The transmission plate maybe connected at a first end to the rear portion of the chassis and at asecond end to the front portion of the chassis in a generally horizontalmanner. In this way, the transmission plate may be simply supportedalong a longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle. The transmissionplate may also be supported parallel to the portion of the drive linkageextending between the transmission drive shaft and the motor driveshaft. This configuration of the transmission plate may improve rigidityand enable the transmission plate to better manage tensile androtational loads from the electric motor and drive belt.

FIGS. 18 to 22 illustrate one example of an electric motor assembly 610.FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the electric motor assembly 610positioned within a snowmobile. The electric motor assembly 610 ismounted below the battery enclosure 128 and adjacent to a front side 620of the rear tunnel 130. In this way, the electric motor assembly 610 ispositioned in front of the rear tunnel 130. The motor assembly 610 isalso positioned generally horizontally relative to the longitudinallyextending rear tunnel 130.

Mounting the electric motor assembly 610 below the battery pack 124 canhelp provide more space for the battery pack 124. For example, thebattery pack 124 may extend along the length of the rear tunnel 130without being limited in size by the electric motor assembly 610 and/orother components. This may enable larger battery packs with greatercapacities to be used. Further, mounting the battery pack 124 on top ofthe rear tunnel 130 may shift the center of mass of the snowmobiletowards the rear suspension, which may improve traction and overall ridequality.

The snowmobile chassis 122 includes the rear tunnel 130. The chassis 122also includes a mid-bay and the front brace structure 132, the mid-baybeing located between the rear tunnel 130 and the front brace structure132. The electric motor assembly 610 is positioned within the mid-bay.

The electric motor assembly 610 is shown coupled to a drive transmission800. The drive transmission 800 may transfer power from the electricmotor assembly 610 to an endless track of the snowmobile. In oneexample, the electric motor assembly 610 is coupled to the drivetransmission 800 via a belt drive system 810. A chain drive system mayalso or instead be used. The electric motor assembly 610 is positionedsubstantially horizontally relative to the drive transmission 800. Forexample, the electric motor assembly 610 and the drive transmission 800may occupy the same horizontal plane and/or be aligned along alongitudinal axis of the snowmobile.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the motor assembly610. FIG. 19 further illustrates the position of electric motor assembly610 on the chassis 122. A transmission plate 812 is positioned betweenthe belt drive system 810 and the motor assembly 610. In one example,the transmission plate 812 is positioned substantially parallel to afirst side edge 814 of the rear tunnel 130. The transmission plate 812includes a first end 820 and a second end 822, which spaced apart alonga substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of the snowmobile. Thetransmission plate 812 is attached at the first end 820 to the firstside edge 814 of rear tunnel 130, and at the second end 822 to acomponent of the front brace structure 132. In this way, thetransmission plate 812 is simply supported by the chassis 122 at itsfirst end 820 and its second end 822. Additionally, the transmissionplate 812 is attached to a front plate 824 of the motor assembly 610.The second end 822 of the transmission plate 812 is coupled to the frontbrace structure at connection points 813, which may be bolt holes thatcorrespond to bolt holes on the font brace structure 132 to form a rigidbolted connection. A rigid bolted connection may also be implementedbetween the first end 820 of the transmission plate 812 and the firstside edge 814 of rear tunnel 130, and/or between the transmission plate812 and the front plate 824 of the motor assembly 610. Other forms ofrigid connections, including welds, snap fit connections and/or frictionfit connections, for example, may also be implemented in the connectionsto the transmission plate 812.

The configuration and coupling of the transmission plate 812 to thechassis 122 may provide a rigid support for the motor assembly 810 andimproved handling of transmission loads from the belt drive system 810.For example, tensile and rotational loads from the motor assembly 610and belt drive system 810 may be managed without bending or otherdeformation of the transmission plate 812. The configuration andcoupling of the transmission plate 812 to the chassis 122 may also allowfor a lighter transmission plate since the transmission plate 812 issupported at both ends. In contrast, if only one end of the transmissionplate 812 is connected to the chassis 122, the significant bending couldoccur do to loads from the motor assembly 610 and belt drive system 810.

FIG. 20 is a partial side view of the electric motor assembly 610. Inone example, the electric motor assembly 610 is mounted proximate to thedrive transmission 800 by the transmission plate 812. The electric motorassembly 610 includes a motor drive shaft 830. The drive transmission800 includes a transmission drive shaft 832. The motor drive shaft 830and the transmission drive shaft 832 extend parallel to each other alongtransverse axes. The transmission drive shaft 832 and the motor driveshaft 830 are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis ofthe electric vehicle. The motor drive shaft 830 is operably coupled tothe transmission drive shaft 832 via the belt drive system 810.

The transmission plate 812 includes a U-shaped slot 809 (or opening)that extends downwards from a top side of the transmission plate 812.The electric motor assembly 610 drive shaft 830 extends through theU-shaped slot 809. In one example, the electric motor assembly 610 isattached to both sides of the U-shaped slot 809 at an interior of thetransmission plate 812 such that the motor drive shaft 830 extendsthrough the U-shaped slot 809 from an interior to an exterior of theU-shaped slot. The U-shaped slot 809 may aid in mounting of the motorassembly 610 to the chassis 122 by enabling the motor assembly 610 to belowered downwards into position in the mid-bay, with the drive shaft 830positioned within the U-shaped slot 809. The electric motor assembly 610may then be coupled to the transmission plate 812. An additional plate(not shown) may cover the U-shaped slot 809 once the motor assembly 610is positioned within the snowmobile 120 that may aid in managing torqueloads from the motor.

In one example, the electric motor assembly 610 includes an electricmotor drive gear coupled to the motor drive shaft 830 and the drivetransmission 800 includes a transmission gear 860 coupled to thetransmission drive shaft 832. The belt drive system 810 includes a drivebelt 811. The drive belt 811 is connected between the electric motordrive gear and the transmission gear 860. In other embodiments, anotherdrive linkage such as a drive chain, for example, may be connectedbetween the electric motor drive gear and the transmission gear 860. Insome examples, an angle of a portion of the drive belt 811 extendingbetween the electric motor drive gear and the transmission gear 860 withrespect to the substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of thesnowmobile is equal to or less than 20% (or 11.3 degrees) and equal toor greater than −20% (or −11.3 degrees). As illustrated, this portion ofthe drive belt 811 is a top portion of the drive belt 811 connecteddirectly between the electric motor drive gear and the transmission gear860. A drive belt idler pulley 862 contacts a bottom surface of thebottom portion of the drive belt 811.

In other embodiments, the drive belt idler pulley 862 may contact a topportion of the drive belt 811 and the bottom portion of the drive belt811 may be connected directly between the electric motor drive gear andthe transmission gear 860. An angle of the bottom portion of the drivebelt 811 with respect to a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis ofthe snowmobile may be equal to or less than 20% (or 11.3 degrees) andequal to or greater than −20% (or −11.3 degrees).

Advantageously, positioning the electric motor assembly 610substantially horizontally to the drive transmission 810 may reduce thedistance between the electric motor assembly 610 and the drivetransmission 810, thereby potentially providing an efficient utilizationof space and/or a reduction in the complexity and cost of the belt drivesystem 810. Further, positioning the electric motor assembly 610 and thedrive transmission 810 such that the top portion of the drive belt 811extends substantially parallel a horizontal longitudinal axis of thesnowmobile helps ensure that some loads exerted on the transmissionplate 812 are also along the horizontal longitudinal axis of thesnowmobile. The transmission plate 812 is supported at either end 820,822 along this longitudinal axis, and may therefore better manage loadsfrom the belt drive system 810 and electric motor assembly 610.

FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 further illustrate the electric motor assembly 610.FIG. 21 is another partial side view of the electric motor assembly 610,and FIG. 22 is a partial perspective view of the electric motor assembly610. The electric motor assembly 610 is shown positioned immediatelyadjacent the front side 620 of rear tunnel 130. In the embodiment shown,the electric motor assembly 610 does not extend the entire width of therear tunnel 130. As such, the electric motor 850 may remainsubstantially unsupported, or supported by sheet metal with minimalstructural support, at the end opposite from the motor drive shaft 830.The electric motor assembly 610 incudes a motor 850 coupled to aninverter 852. The inverter 852 is directly coupled to the motor 850, andcontained within a common housing 854. The electric motor assembly 610having the inverter 852 integrated into the same housing provides forefficient locating of the motor assembly 610 in the chassis mid-bay infront of the rear tunnel 130. One motor assembly including a motorcoupled to an inverter, suitable for use in the present electricvehicle, is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 63/135,466(Attorney Docket No. T1670.109.101/TPA013), titled DRIVE UNIT FORELECTRIC VEHICLE, filed Jan. 8, 2021, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, avariety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may besubstituted for the specific examples shown and described withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. This disclosure isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examplesdiscussed herein.

It should be noted that, as used herein, the phrase “at least one of Aand B” includes any combination of A and/or B. For example, the phrase“at least one of A and B” encompasses only A, only B, and A and Btogether. Similar comments apply to the phrase “at least two of A, B andC”.

Various example embodiments of the present disclosure will now beprovided.

Example Embodiment 1

An electric vehicle comprising, an electric motor, a battery packcomprising: one or more battery modules for providing power to theelectric motor; and a battery enclosure housing the one or more batterymodules, the battery enclosure being a structural element of theelectric vehicle for receiving loads from at least two of a suspensionsystem, a seat and a steering system of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 2

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 1, the battery enclosuretransferring the loads received, at least partially, to a center of massof the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 3

The electric vehicle of any one of example embodiments 1 or 2, thebattery enclosure transferring the loads received, at least partially,to a chassis of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 4

The electric vehicle of any one of example embodiments 1 to 3, whereinthe battery enclosure defines a front portion and a rear portion, thefront portion receiving loads from a front suspension of the electricvehicle.

Example Embodiment 5

The electric vehicle of any one of example embodiments 1 to 3, whereinthe battery enclosure defines a front portion and a rear portion, thefront portion receiving loads from the steering system and the rearportion receiving loads from the seat.

Example Embodiment 6

The electric vehicle of any one of example embodiments 4 or 5, whereinthe electric vehicle comprises a chassis defining a tunnel portion and afront brace structure, the tunnel portion connected to the rear portionof the battery enclosure and the front brace structure connected to thefront portion of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 7

The electric vehicle of any one of example embodiments 1 to 6, whereinthe electric vehicle is a snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 8

A battery enclosure for an electric vehicle, the battery enclosure beinga structural element of the electric vehicle and comprising: a rearportion adapted for connection to a rear portion of a chassis of theelectric vehicle, the rear portion of the battery enclosure configuredto receive loads from a seat of the electric vehicle; and a frontportion adapted for connection to a front portion of the chassis of theelectric vehicle, the front portion of the battery enclosure configuredto receive loads from a front suspension of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 9

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 8, wherein the batteryenclosure is configured to transfer loads received from the seat and thefront suspension, at least partially, to a center of mass of theelectric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 10

The battery enclosure of one of example embodiments 8 or 9, wherein thebattery enclosure is configured to transfer loads received from the seatand the front suspension, at least partially, to a chassis of theelectric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 11

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 9, the front portion furtheradapted for receiving loads from a steering system of the electricvehicle and transferring those loads, at least partially, to a center ofmass of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 12

The battery enclosure of any one of example embodiments 8 to 11, whereinthe electric vehicle is a snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 13

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 12, wherein the rear portionof the battery enclosure is adapted for connection to a tunnel of thesnowmobile, and the front portion of the battery enclosure is adaptedfor connection to a front brace structure of the snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 14

A snowmobile comprising: a chassis that comprises: a rear tunnel; and afront brace structure adapted to receive loads from a front suspensionsystem of the snowmobile; a battery enclosure defining a tunnel portionand a front portion, the tunnel portion being connected to the reartunnel of the chassis and the front portion being connected to the frontbrace structure of the chassis; wherein the battery enclosure receivesloads from the front suspension system of the snowmobile through thefront brace structure and transfers the loads from the front suspensionsystem to at least one of the rear tunnel and a center of mass of theelectric vehicle through a body of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 15

The snowmobile of example embodiment 14, wherein the battery enclosureis further connected to the front brace structure at a bottom surface.

Example Embodiment 16

The snowmobile of one of example embodiments 14 or 15, wherein asteering mount is connected to the front portion of the batteryenclosure for connection to a steering column, the steering mounttransferring loads from the steering column into the body of the batteryenclosure.

Example Embodiment 17

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 16, furthercomprising a seat connected to the tunnel portion of the batteryenclosure, wherein loads from the seat are received by and transferredinto the body of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 18

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 17, wherein thefront portion of the battery enclosure defines a first height and thetunnel portion of the battery enclosure defines a second height, thefirst height being greater than the second height.

Example Embodiment 19

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 18, wherein thefront portion of the battery enclosure defines a first width and thetunnel portion of the battery enclosure defines a second width, thefirst width being greater than the second width.

Example Embodiment 20

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 19, wherein thefront suspension system comprises at least one coil over spring anddamper assembly.

Example Embodiment 21

The snowmobile of example embodiment 20, wherein the at least one coilover spring and damper assembly is connected between a pair of skis andthe front brace structure.

Example Embodiment 22

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 21, wherein thebattery enclosure comprises a carbon fiber composite material.

Example Embodiment 23

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 21, wherein thebattery enclosure comprises an injection molded glass fiber reinforcedplastic material.

Example embodiment 24. The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments14 to 23, wherein the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure isconnected to the rear tunnel of the chassis via two or more right sideblocks and two or more left side blocks.

Example Embodiment 25

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 24, wherein thebattery enclosure has a stiffness that is within a range that is equalto or greater than 10 gigapascal (Gpa) and equal to or less than 70 Gpa.

Example Embodiment 26

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 25, wherein thebattery enclosure comprises a cover and a floor.

Example Embodiment 27

The snowmobile of any one of example embodiments 14 to 26, furthercomprising an electric motor, wherein the battery enclosure houses atleast two electric battery modules for supplying electricity to theelectric motor.

Example Embodiment 28

The snowmobile of example embodiment 27, wherein the at least twoelectric battery modules comprise one or more pouch battery cells.

Example Embodiment 29

A battery enclosure for an electric snowmobile, the battery enclosurecomprising: a tunnel portion adapted for connection to a rear tunnel ofa snowmobile chassis; a front portion adapted for connection to a frontbrace structure of the snowmobile chassis, wherein the battery enclosureis configured to receive loads from a front suspension system of thesnowmobile through the front brace structure and transfers the loadsfrom the front suspension system to at least one of the rear tunnel anda center of mass of the electric vehicle through a body of the batteryenclosure.

Example Embodiment 30

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 29, configured forconnection to a steering column via a steering mount for receiving loadsfrom the steering column into the body of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 31

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 29, configured forconnection to a seat of the electric vehicle for receiving loads fromthe seat into the body of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 32

The battery enclosure of any one of example embodiments 29 to 31,wherein the front portion of the battery enclosure defines a firstheight and the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure defines a secondheight, the first height being greater than the second height.

Example Embodiment 33

The battery enclosure of any one of example embodiments 29 to 32,wherein the front portion of the battery enclosure defines a first widthand the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure defines a second width,the first width being greater than the second width.

Example Embodiment 34

The battery enclosure of any one of example embodiments 29 to 33,wherein the battery enclosure comprises a carbon fiber compositematerial.

Example Embodiment 35

The battery enclosure of any one of example embodiments 29 to 34,wherein the battery enclosure comprises an injection molded glass fiberreinforced plastic material.

Example Embodiment 36

The battery enclosure of any one of example embodiments 29 to 35,wherein the battery enclosure has a stiffness that is within a rangethat is equal to or greater than 10 gigapascal (Gpa) and equal to orless than 70 Gpa.

Example Embodiment 37

The battery enclosure of any one of example embodiments 29 to 36,wherein the battery enclosure comprises a cover and a floor.

Example Embodiment 38

A straddle-seat electric vehicle, comprising; a chassis including asuspension system; and a battery pack configured as a structural elementthat receives loads from the suspension system.

Example Embodiment 39

The straddle-seat electric vehicle of example embodiment 38, the batterypack comprising a battery enclosure coupled to the suspension system fortransferring, at least partially, loads from the suspension systemthrough a body of the battery enclosure to the chassis.

Example Embodiment 40

The straddle-seat electric vehicle of example embodiment 38, comprisinga brace structure that transfers loads between the suspension system andthe battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 41

The straddle-seat electric vehicle of example embodiment 38, furthercomprising a straddle seat, the straddle seat being mounted directly tothe battery pack.

Example Embodiment 42

The straddle-seat electric vehicle of example embodiment 39, wherein thestraddle-seat vehicle is a snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 43

An electric vehicle, comprising: a battery pack having a batteryenclosure, the battery enclosure defines a slot that extends downwardsfrom a top surface of the battery enclosure for receiving a steeringcolumn of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 44

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 43, wherein the slot extendsdownwards from the top surface of the battery enclosure to a front sidesurface of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 45

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 43, wherein the slot extendsdownwards from the top surface of the battery enclosure to a bottomsurface of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 46

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 43, wherein the width of theslot varies along a length, a top end of the slot being wider than abottom end of the slot.

Example Embodiment 47

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 43, wherein the slot dividesthe front portion of the battery enclosure into a first side and asecond side, wherein each of the first side and second side is suitablefor housing one or more electric battery modules.

Example Embodiment 48

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 43, wherein the slot ispositioned substantially centrally with respect to a first side wall anda second side wall of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 49

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 43, wherein the batteryenclosure is a structural component suitable for receiving loads fromthe steering column and transferring the loads to a chassis.

Example Embodiment 50

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 43, wherein a straightsteering column passes through the slot.

Example Embodiment 51

A snowmobile, comprising: a chassis that comprises: a rear tunnel; and afront brace structure; a battery enclosure defining a tunnel portion anda front portion, the tunnel portion being connected to the rear tunnelof the chassis and the front portion being connected to the front bracestructure, wherein the front portion of the battery enclosure defines aslot that extends downwards from a top surface of the battery enclosurefor receiving a steering column of the snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 52

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the slot extendsdownwards from the top surface of the battery enclosure to a front sidesurface of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 53

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the slot extendsdownwards from the top surface of the battery enclosure to a bottomsurface of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 54

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the slot defines afirst side wall, a second side wall and a bottom surface, wherein thebottom surface of the slot extends at an angle of between 30-60 degreeswith respect to a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of thesnowmobile.

Example Embodiment 55

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein a width of the slot isbetween 30 millimeters (mm) and 60 mm.

Example Embodiment 56

The snowmobile of example embodiment 55, wherein the width of the slotvaries along a length, a top end of the slot being wider than a bottomend of the slot.

Example Embodiment 57

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the slot divides thefront portion of the battery enclosure into a first side and a secondside, wherein each of the first side and second side is suitable forhousing one or more electric battery modules.

Example Embodiment 58

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the slot is positionedsubstantially centrally with respect to a first side wall and a secondside wall of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 59

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the battery enclosureis a structural component suitable for receiving loads from the steeringcolumn and transferring the loads to the chassis.

Example Embodiment 60

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein a straight steeringcolumn passes through the slot.

Example Embodiment 61

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein a top of the steeringcolumn is above the top surface of the battery enclosure and a bottom ofthe steering column is below a bottom surface of the battery enclosureand is attached to a steering mechanism that controls a direction of aright front ski and a left front ski for the snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 62

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein an upper steering mountis attached to the top surface of the battery enclosure and isconfigured to support an upper portion of the steering column andprovide a stiffness to the upper portion of the steering column.

Example Embodiment 63

The snowmobile of example embodiment 62, wherein the battery enclosurehas a stiffness that is within a range that is equal to or greater than10 gigapascal (Gpa) and equal to or less than 70 Gpa, and wherein thestiffness of the battery enclosure corresponds with the stiffness thatthe upper steering mount provides to the upper portion of the steeringcolumn.

Example Embodiment 64

The snowmobile of example embodiment 62, wherein the upper steeringmount comprises a right upper steering mount and a left upper steeringmount attached to a pipe having an axis aligned with an axis of thesteering column, and wherein the steering column passes through the pipeand is supported by the pipe.

Example Embodiment 65

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the steering columnpasses through the slot at an angle with respect to an axis of thesteering column and a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of thesnowmobile that is equal to or greater than 30 degrees and equal to orless than 60 degrees.

Example Embodiment 66

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the slot is centeredbetween a right side wall and a left side wall of the front portion ofthe battery enclosure, and wherein a right side stack of one or morebatteries are between a first side wall of the slot and a first sidewall of the front portion of the battery enclosure, and wherein a leftside stack of one or more batteries are between a second side wall ofthe slot and a second side wall of the front portion of the batteryenclosure.

Example Embodiment 67

The snowmobile of example embodiment 51, wherein the front portion ofthe battery enclosure has a width in a direction transverse to asubstantially horizontal longitudinal axis of the snowmobile in adirection between the front end and the back end of the snowmobile thatis greater than a width of the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure,and wherein the tunnel portion of the battery enclosure includes a rowof one or more batteries aligned along the substantially horizontallongitudinal axis of the snowmobile between the front end and the rearend of the snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 68

A battery enclosure for an electric vehicle, comprising: a rear portion;and a front portion, the front portion of the battery enclosure defininga slot that extends downwards from a top surface of the batteryenclosure for receiving a steering column of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 69

The snowmobile of example embodiment 68, wherein the slot extendsdownwards from the top surface of the battery enclosure to a front sidesurface of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 70

The snowmobile of example embodiment 68, wherein the slot extendsdownwards from the top surface of the battery enclosure to a bottomsurface of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 71

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the slot definesa first side wall, a second side wall and a bottom surface, wherein thebottom surface of the slot extends at an angle of between 30-60 degreeswith respect to a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis of theelectric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 72

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein a width of theslot is between 30 millimeters (mm) and 60 mm.

Example Embodiment 73

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the slot dividesthe front portion of the battery enclosure into a first side and asecond side, wherein each of the first side and second side is suitablefor housing electric battery modules.

Example Embodiment 74

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the slot ispositioned substantially centrally with respect to a first side wall anda second side wall of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 75

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the batteryenclosure has a stiffness that is within a range that is equal to orgreater than 10 gigapascal (Gpa) and equal to or less than 70 Gpa.

Example Embodiment 76

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the tunnelportion of the battery enclosure includes a row of one or more batteriesin a direction between the front portion of the battery enclosure andthe tunnel portion of the battery enclosure.

Example Embodiment 77

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the batteryenclosure comprises a carbon fiber composite material.

Example Embodiment 78

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the batteryenclosure comprises an injection molded glass fiber reinforced plasticmaterial.

Example Embodiment 79

The battery enclosure of example embodiment 68, wherein the electricvehicle is a snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 81

An electric vehicle, comprising: a chassis defining a rear portion and afront portion; a transmission mounted to a rear portion of the chassis;a battery enclosure mounted on top of the rear portion of the chassis;and an electric motor mounted below the battery enclosure and between afront side of the rear chassis and a front end of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 82

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 81, wherein the electricmotor is positioned generally horizontally relative to the transmission.

Example Embodiment 83

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 81, wherein a transmissiondrive shaft and a motor drive shaft are spaced apart along alongitudinal axis of the electric vehicle.

Example Embodiment 84

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 81, wherein the rear portionof the chassis is a rear tunnel and the front portion of the chassis isa front brace structure, wherein a transmission plate attached to theelectric motor is connected at a first end to the rear tunnel and at asecond end to the front brace structure.

Example Embodiment 85

The electric vehicle of example embodiment 81, wherein the electricvehicle is a snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 86

A snowmobile, comprising: a chassis that comprises a rear tunnel; abattery enclosure mounted to the rear tunnel; and an electric motormounted below the battery enclosure and adjacent to a front side of therear tunnel.

Example Embodiment 87

The snowmobile of example embodiment 86, wherein the chassis furtherdefines a mid-bay and a front brace structure, the mid-bay being locatedbetween the rear tunnel and the front brace structure, wherein theelectric motor is positioned within the mid-bay.

Example Embodiment 88

The snowmobile of example embodiment 87, wherein the mid-bay comprises atransmission plate positioned substantially parallel to a first sideedge of the rear tunnel.

Example Embodiment 89

The snowmobile of example embodiment 88, wherein the transmission plateis attached at a first end to the first side edge of the rear tunnel andat a second end to a component of the front brace structure.

Example Embodiment 90

The snowmobile of example embodiment 89, wherein the transmission plateis further attached to a front plate of the electric motor.

Example Embodiment 91

The snowmobile of example embodiment 90, further comprising atransmission, wherein the electric motor is mounted proximate to thetransmission by the transmission plate.

Example Embodiment 92

The snowmobile of example embodiment 91, wherein the transmission plateincludes a U-shaped opening that extends downwards from a top side ofthe transmission plate, and wherein the electric motor is attached toboth sides of the U-shaped opening such that a drive shaft of theelectric motor extends through the U-shaped opening.

Example Embodiment 93

The snowmobile of example embodiment 89, wherein the component of thefront brace structure is mounted to an underside of the batteryenclosure and to the transmission plate.

Example Embodiment 94

The snowmobile of example embodiment 91, wherein the electric motorincludes an electric motor drive gear and the transmission includes atransmission gear, and wherein a drive belt is connected between theelectric motor drive gear and the transmission gear such that an angleof a top portion of the drive belt between the electric motor drive gearand the transmission gear with respect to a substantially horizontallongitudinal axis of the snowmobile is equal to or less than 20% andequal to or greater than −20%.

Example Embodiment 95

The snowmobile of example embodiment 89, further comprising a drive beltidler pulley that contacts a bottom surface of the bottom portion of thedrive belt, and wherein the top portion of the drive belt is connecteddirectly between the electric motor drive gear and the transmissiongear.

Example Embodiment 96

An electric snowmobile, comprising: a transmission mounted within aninterior of a rear tunnel of the snowmobile and proximate to a rearsuspension of a track of the snowmobile; a battery enclosure mounted tothe rear tunnel; and an electric motor mounted below the batteryenclosure and between a front side of the rear tunnel and a front end ofthe snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 97

The electric snowmobile of example embodiment 96, further comprising atransmission, wherein the electric motor is mounted directly to thetransmission by a transmission plate, and wherein the transmission plateis mounted to the rear tunnel of the snowmobile.

Example Embodiment 98

The electric snowmobile of example embodiment 97, wherein thetransmission plate includes a U-shaped opening that extends downwardsfrom a top side of the transmission plate, and wherein the electricmotor is attached to the transmission plate at an interior of thetransmission plate such that a drive shaft of the electric motor extendsthrough from the interior to an exterior of the U-shaped opening of thetransmission plate.

Example Embodiment 99

The electric snowmobile of example embodiment 97, wherein the electricmotor includes an electric motor drive gear and the transmissionincludes a transmission gear, and wherein a drive belt is connectedbetween the electric motor drive gear and the transmission gear suchthat an angle of a top portion of the drive belt between the electricmotor drive gear and the transmission gear with respect to asubstantially horizontal longitudinal axis of the snowmobile is equal toor less that 20% and equal to or greater than −20%.

1. An electric vehicle, comprising: a steering system comprising asteering column; and a battery pack comprising a battery enclosure and aplurality of battery modules housed within the battery enclosure, thebattery enclosure defining a slot that extends from at least a topsurface of the battery enclosure to receive the steering column.
 2. Theelectric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the slot is substantially straight.3. The electric vehicle of claim 2, wherein a portion of the steeringcolumn received by the slot is substantially straight.
 4. The electricvehicle of claim 1, wherein the slot extends from the top surface of thebattery enclosure to a front side surface of the battery enclosure. 5.The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the slot extends from the topsurface of the battery enclosure to a bottom surface of the batteryenclosure.
 6. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the steeringsystem comprises a handlebar attachment coupled to an upper portion ofthe steering column.
 7. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein thesteering system comprises at least one steering arm coupled to a lowerportion of the steering column.
 8. The electric vehicle of claim 7,further comprising at least one ski assembly coupled to the at least onesteering arm.
 9. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the slotdivides a portion of the battery enclosure into a first side and asecond side, wherein each of the first side and the second side housesone or more of the plurality of electric battery modules.
 10. Theelectric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the slot is positionedsubstantially centrally with respect to a first side wall and a secondside wall of the battery enclosure.
 11. The electric vehicle of claim 1,wherein the slot defines a bottom surface, the bottom surface extendingat an angle of between 30-60 degrees with respect to a substantiallyhorizontal longitudinal axis of the electric vehicle.
 12. The electricvehicle of claim 1, wherein a width of the slot is between 30millimeters (mm) and 60 mm.
 13. The electric vehicle of claim 1, whereinthe steering system comprises a mount coupled to the top surface of thebattery enclosure to support an upper portion of the steering column.14. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery enclosure is astructural component suitable for receiving loads from the steeringcolumn and transferring the loads to a chassis of the electric vehicle.15. The electric vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a straddle-seatcoupled to the battery pack.
 16. The electric vehicle of claim 15,wherein the electric vehicle is a snowmobile.
 17. An electricsnowmobile, comprising: a chassis comprising a rear tunnel and a frontbrace structure; a steering system comprising a steering column; and abattery enclosure defining a tunnel portion and a front portion, thetunnel portion being connected to the rear tunnel of the chassis and thefront portion being connected to the front brace structure, wherein thefront portion of the battery enclosure defines a slot that extendsdownwards from a top surface of the battery enclosure for receiving thesteering column.
 18. The electric snowmobile of claim 17, furthercomprising at least one ski assembly connected to the steering system.19. A battery pack for an electric vehicle, the battery pack comprising:a plurality of battery modules; and a battery enclosure housing theplurality of battery modules and defining a slot to receive a steeringcolumn of the electric vehicle that extends from a top surface of thebattery enclosure.
 20. The battery pack of claim 19, wherein: thebattery enclosure defines a rear portion, a front portion first side anda front portion second side, the front portion first side and the frontportion second side being separated by the slot; and each of the rearportion, the front portion first side and the front portion second sidehouse at least one stack of battery modules.